Happy Hour: Definition, Benefits, and Strategies to Increase Sales in Restaurants

Late in the afternoon, the restaurant was starting to get quiet, but suddenly the atmosphere changed. 

The music is getting louder, the tables are starting to fill up, and the bartender is busy mixing drinks. You must be confused, what actually happened? 

This is the meaning of happy hour! For those of you who are not familiar, happy hour is a business strategy that many restaurants and bars use to attract more customers during off hours. 

Happy hour means a specific time period when a restaurant offers special prices on food and drinks. So, with this trick, restaurants can remain busy even outside main meal times.

However, is it just a discount? No! Happy hour promo could be a smart strategy to increase sales and introduce new menus. 

In fact, many restaurants take advantage of this concept!

One popular example is happy hour, which is always busy because of its interesting promotions. 

So, if you have a culinary business, this strategy could be a game changer for your business! Come on, let's discuss it in more depth, OK?

Read Also: 10 Good Ways to Plate Food in a 5 Star Restaurant Style

Happy Hour Strategy to Boost Sales

Source: Freepik

Restaurants that apply happy hours are smart restaurants, because they understand the importance of quiet hours. 

Typically, this time occurs between lunch and dinner, which is when the number of customers tends to decrease. 

Read Also: Cafe vs. Bistro vs. Eatery: Differences and Characteristics in F&B Business

Well, by presenting happy hour promo, restaurants can still attract customers at these hours. Not only that, there are several big benefits you can get from this strategy, such as:

1. Attracting New Customers

Many people like to find a place that has its happy hour promo interesting. They can try food or drinks at cheaper prices, without having to spend a lot of money. If they like it, chances are they'll come back!

2. Increase Customer Loyalty

Frequent customers who enjoy happy hour are those who can become loyal customers. So, with the right strategy, restaurants can make them keep coming and even recommend your place to their friends.

3. Increase sales of other menus

Customers who come to do happy hour promo usually don't just buy drinks or food. They will also order other menus, which ultimately increases the restaurant's income.

4. Enliven the Restaurant Atmosphere

A quiet restaurant can make customers hesitate to enter. However, if the atmosphere is busy because happy hour is The restaurant's mainstay strategy is that people will be interested in enjoying the atmosphere.

Happy Hour Strategy That Makes Restaurant More Money!

Source: Freepik

Having a happy hour promo it's not enough. You need a strategy so that customers are interested and keep coming back to your restaurant. Here are some methods that you can apply:

1. Determine the Right Time

The best time for happy hour is hours outside the main meal, usually between 15.00 – 18.00. However, you can adjust it to the habits of customers at your restaurant.

2. Offer an Exclusive Menu

Don't just give discounts, but create a special menu that is only available during happy hour promo. This can be an attraction for customers who like something exclusive.

3. Use a Loyalty Program

So that customers come more often, take advantage of a loyalty program. Well, with ESB Loop, you can make customers more loyal through attractive rewards every time they enjoy happy hour promo at your restaurant.

4. Take advantage of Social Media

Customers love catchy promotions. Use social media to let them know if happy hour is a moment they shouldn't miss. Add interesting photos to tempt them!

5. Combine it with Entertainment

Live music or games can make the atmosphere even more exciting. The restaurant is famous for its happy hour and successfully attracts many customers, because it offers more than just discounts.

Let happy hour promo To be more effective, you need a system that can make promo management and customer loyalty easier. 

Conclusion

So, now you know that happy hour means not just an ordinary discount. Happy hour is a smart strategy that can increase sales, attract new customers, and make restaurants busier.

To be more effective, don't forget to combine happy hour promo with a loyalty program using ESB Loop. Through this method, you will attract customers, and at the same time make them return directly to your restaurant.

So, if you want a happy hour that not only makes you busy but also increases customer loyalty, ESB Loop is the solution you must try!  

Start a happy hour strategy now and increase your restaurant sales!